Holden's gaze remained on her, his silent scrutiny sending Sadie's heart into a sprint. Her fingers reached out tentatively, a cautious attempt to intertwine with his.

Then, abruptly, Holden's hand closed around her wrist, tugging her into an embrace that erased the space between them. The scent of alcohol hung faintly about him, quickening Sadie's heartbeat.

Holden's touch traced the contour of her eyebrows and eyes, his proximity undeniable. His breath, a whisper of warmth, danced over Sadie's lips, igniting a spark of excitement.

Within Sadie, a triumphant feeling took root, her flirtations seemingly finding purchase.

Her arms wound around Holden's neck, anticipation of a kiss hanging between them.

But in the very moment when anticipation peaked, when the kiss seemed inevitable, Holden shattered the moment, slapping a piece of paper onto her face. His voice turned cold, as he inquired, “What is this?"

With a mix of emotions swirling within her, Sadie picked up the paper. The very check she had handed over to the nanny just moments ago lay before her eyes.

In that instant, a palpable weight pressed upon her heart, and a cold sweat erupted across her body.

She reflexively pinched her palm, seeking solace in the sharp sensation.

Gracefully, she descended onto the soft carpet, clutching the check as if it held the answers to her racing thoughts. Tearfully, she murmured, “Her negligence led to Adele's mishap, so I had to dismiss her. Yet, she was a loyal presence, nurturing us over time. Hence, I granted her a private compensation. I implore you not to be aggrieved by this Lapse born of momentary weakness.”

Holden's silence felt like a verdict, his frigid gaze scrutinizing Sadie's soul. Then, after an eternity of contemplation, his voice pierced the tension.

“Attend to your own affairs. I don't want to see a repeat of today's incident."

His words brought Sadie an unexpected exhale of relief, realizing that the nanny had refrained from exposing her.

With a soft inhalation, she Looked towards Holden, her demeanor seeking to appease, and softly intoned, "I'll hire a more professional nanny later."

But Holden replied, "No need. Adele's situation mandate your personal attention, as her mother."

Startled, Sadie widened her eyes, and she voiced her dissent, "But I'm about to start filming a movie soon, and it's arduous for me to bring Adele onto the set.”

Holden, his silence resounding, merely gazed at her.

Caught within his unwavering stare, Sadie's countenance stiffened, and she pressed on, “Furthermore, the promotional activities that ensue will involve a multitude of individuals. I'm afraid.”

Holden interjected, his tone unwavering, “I've already halted your involvement in that movie, along with other schedules for the foreseeable future. This affords you ample time to dedicate yourself to your child's well-being. Once she recovers, you may resume your career."

Stunned, Sadie fought the urge to protest, her eyes fixed on Holden's unwavering stare. She managed only a forced smile and a nod, the weight of her resentment towards Adele growing stronger within her.